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The grocery retailer has reversed its determination not to grant compensated employment to an individual with autism after initially saying he had to discontinue working at the branch where he had worked unpaid for several years.

Earlier this year, Frances Boyd asked whether her adult child Tom Boyd could be given a job at the retail establishment in Cheadle Hulme, but her proposal was eventually rejected by the supermarket's headquarters.

On Thursday, competing supermarket Asda stated it was interested in providing Tom paid shifts at its Manchester location.

Responding to the company's change of position, Frances commented: "We are going to think about it and choose whether it is in Tom's best interests to resume working... and are having further discussions with the supermarket."

'Conducting an inquiry'

A representative for the retailer said: "We'd like to welcome Tom back, in paid employment, and are seeking support from his family and the support organization to do so."

"We hope to have him return with us in the near future."

"We place great importance about helping workers into the job market who might otherwise not be provided employment."

"Consequently, we gladly accepted Tom and his care assistant into our Cheadle Hulme branch to build skills and enhance his self-assurance."

"We have guidelines in place to enable unpaid work, and are reviewing the circumstances in this case."

Tom's mother stated she had been "deeply moved" by how people had answered to her sharing her son's experiences.

Tom, who has challenges with communication, was recognized for his dedication by managers.

"He gave extensive time of his effort solely because he sought inclusion, be helpful, and create value," commented his mum.

Frances recognized and acknowledged staff at the Manchester branch for supporting him, adding: "They welcomed him and were wonderfully accommodating."

"I think he was just flying under the radar - all was running smoothly until it went to head office."

Tom and his mum have been supported by Greater Manchester mayor the public figure.

He wrote on social media that Tom had received "truly terrible" management and vowed to "support him to find another placement that works".

The mayor stated the regional organization "actively promotes each company - including Waitrose - to register to our recently launched Bee Neuroinclusive Code of Practice".

Conversing with Tom's mother, who announced of Tom's Asda job offer on local radio, the Labour mayor said: "Congratulations for raising awareness because we require a huge awareness campaign here."

She accepted his proposal to become an advocate for the campaign.